Dreli's final blow causes some shock in a few nearby observers, but Dani looks at the blade and nods understanding that the gift may have involved certain costs. She barks orders calling for a cleanup, asking that the remains of the two downed Sweepers be brought to different locations while a third group breaks-off and plans where things would go from here.
There is a discussion about how to best mount an attack against Valleyview, and it is agreed that they will wait a few days. The rebels have spies who are well positioned to orchestrate an uprising amid this sudden panic. When tensions hit a breaking point, that is when everyone else will join the fight, using this newly acquired Sweeper to bust through the walls.
Wenlan and Tanya play an important role in planning the specifics, as they are some of the only ones familiar with the city's interior layout. Dani also orders a communication to the Frogmen in this time, to demonstrate respect by giving them advance notice and assure them that once Valleyview falls there will no longer be any restrictions on their hunting or movement. Hilmir volunteers for the delivery.
Elara tries to convince Dreli to wait, but sees the resolve in her eyes and agrees to to escort her back to the Temple Ruins that night while everyone else is occupied. They have two of the crystals, as the third is still powering the last Sweeper, but study of the notebook indicates that should be enough. Upon placing one of them into the carved spot on the side of the pedestal, the "button" on the wall between the diagrams begins to pulse in a soft green light.
Checking in one last time, Elara says "I'm pretty sure you just stand up there and I press this, then you go... somewhere. Not here anyway. Ready?" Dreli gets up, Elara wishes her well, and the activation brings a blinding light that hurts Dreli's eyes. She takes one step forward and hears a stick break beneath her foot. The light dims with each blink and she finds herself at the edge of a different set of woods. She can see several small towns, and in the distance a large castle fortress. It's no where she's seen before, but it seems peaceful. The settlements seem prosperous. Somewhere with opportunity.
When Elara returns, she explains to everyone that the crystals lose energy when activated for this purpose, and take about a week to recharge. It's decided that after the attack, which ended in a quick surrender, they would hold weekly gatherings at the temple sending people off to new beginnings. Hilmir and Wenlan stay for a while to help rebuild the temple, and generally help make things more hospitable for all.
Many sign up to leave at first, but before long the sense of community grows and sometimes there are no departures. Those become the norm, and the gatherings turn into town halls instead. People still arrive in the woods once in a while, but never anyone who has already left. There is no tolerance for the fanatics anymore, and people generally live in cooperation with each other and the woods themselves.
